Prof Adigun Agbaje, whose kidnappers were recently released, says he was shot during the abduction process as he expresses gratitude to his colleagues and everyone who made his release possible.
REPORTERS AT LARGE reports that this was contained in a letter by the don through his son Adewale Agbaje on Monday in Ibadan.
Agbaje, the chairman of the Oba Sikiru Adetona Institute for Governance at the Olabisi Onabanjo University, Ago Iwoye, and former DVC (Academics) of the University of Ibadan, appreciated the current and other former Vice-Chancellors for their roles in ensuring his release.
“My father, Prof Adigun Agbaje, recently released by kidnappers, has asked me to issue the statement below on his behalf.
“It’s a new day today and I’m happy to be alive. I was released by my kidnappers yesterday evening after spending two nights in the thick forests of Ogun and Oyo states. My mind goes to the five others who have still left with the kidnappers: two young ladies, two young men and a middle-aged person.
“I was shot in the head during the abduction process. I thank God that the bullet that went through my car’s windscreen left only a skin-deep wound on my head even though it left a gaping hole in the cap I was wearing. I did not even know about this till Saturday morning when I saw caked blood on my cap.
“I am undergoing comprehensive health checks and so it may take some time to thank all my family, including my in-laws, friends and in-laws to my children, my own friends, colleagues and all Nigerians.
“For now I want to thank the following former and current Vice Chancellors of the University of Ibadan: Prof Olufemi Bamiro, Prof Isaac Adewole, Prof Idowu Olayinka and Prof Kayode Adebowale, my colleagues at the University of Ibadan and other Universities at home and abroad.
“Others are the current and former students, including Mr Fisayo Soyombo, for their wonderful support and generosity to my family, top government, military, and other security officials.
“I am quite grateful for all your efforts. You all kept hope alive and ensured that the sensitive negotiations came to a successful end when I regained freedom yesterday evening.
“As stated earlier, my heart goes to those young female undergraduates, the young men and the middle-aged person I left behind with the kidnappers. I may not be reachable now but as soon as I get medical clearance from my doctors, I will be thanking all of you personally,” the letter read. (NAN)
It recalled that the former Deputy Vice-Chancellor was released on Sunday evening near Sat Guru Maraji area, along the Lagos-Ibadan Motorway.
